Young Sammy gave the sport at run at high school, but since leaving in 2009 has spent his weekends running around at Pride Park for Orange City playing union rather than following in his father's footsteps at Wade Park in green and gold.

Until now.

The younger Dwyer had a year off in 2019 as he travelled Australia before becoming a father, and on coming back decided he'd finally cave to his father's wishes and switch codes.

"I had a year off, I'd had a break and thought while the body can still hold it and go around I thought I may as well tick that box before I'm too old."

"And to keep dad happy."

His father's reaction when he first told him he was linking up with his beloved CYMS?

"He called me son for the first time," Dywer said laughing.

"He's a CYMS' boy through and through and he's always pushed me to play league and I don't think I was ever really his son until I gave it a run.

"Nah he was good, he was happy to hear it so he wanted to know when I'd officially join."

Dwyer senior has "always supported" his son through union but would continue to tell him he'd be a better league player - finally he'll get to find out once he overcomes the differences between the codes.

"Physically it's not that bad yet but it's mental, you go from your bread and butter to something completely different. It's adapting and it'll take time," he said, having been in training for several weeks.

"It's starting to click at training and a bit more time and hooking in and it's hopefully coming together."

He'd come up and watch, he's always supported me through union but said I'd be better at league so I guess we get to find out now.

Dwyer had reached out to CYMS president Dom Maley to jump onboard and during the whole process - from that initial chat to signing on the dotted line - the club had been "more than accomodating".

He'd love to get a run at fullback or in the centres, and also had experience in the second row at the Lions in union, but admits he "doesn't know" where he'll line up or even in what grade, especially with fierce competition for space in the backs.

"You wanna crack the grade but wherever CYMS feel fit to put me they'll make the right decision but if I can play first grade from the get-go and I feel fit and ready to do, 100 per cent I want to," he said.

Dwyer's been impressed with the leadership at the club.

"Dom's taken me under his wing most, and Dan Mortimer is great for the club, you can feel the vibe he's putting out and the effort he's putting in and hopefully they'll reap the rewards for it," he said.

"There's no individual which stands out, they're a great club."

Will he keep going with union and following in the footsteps of Lions teammate and now Hawks rival Duncan Young in playing both codes?

"Oh god no," Dwyer said.

"It'd be a big toll on the body, I don't know how Duncan Young does it. I've got no aspirations there.

"I'll go up and support wherever I can but I don't intend on playing union this year."